SPES Conference

I have just returned from a three-day conference of bishops held at Catholic University of America in Washington (CUA). It was organised by the St. Paul’s Evangelisation Society (SPES), of which I am a Board member. The topic of this conference “Evangelizing Dioceses” was a continuation from last time. There were a number of bishops present, mostly from the US, and we had presentations from Fr. James Mallon of Divine Renovation, Curtis Martin, the founder of FOCUS, George Weigel and others. Cardinal Wilton Gregory gave a short opening address. It was a delight to be on the impressive campus of Catholic University of America, next to the National Shrine. Outside the Fr. O’Connell Hall where we were meeting, was this amazing sculpture by the Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz called Angels Unawares. The three and a half-ton bronze sculpture highlights the plight of migrants and refugees. It depicts 140 refugees tightly packed onto a 20-foot skiff. Some look back, but most look forward with hope toward the future and a new life. Parents hold tired, scared children who clutch their pets and stuffed animals. In the middle stands the Holy Family and in the centre, a pair of angel wings rises from the crowd.